Cricket a step closer on the Gold Coast

Cricket is a step closer to coming to the Gold Coast following the installation of drop-in wickets at Metricon Stadium in a Queensland first.

With just 79 days until the International T20 match between Australia and South Africa to take place at Metricon Stadium, GC SUNS Chief Executive Mark Evans confirmed the wickets had successfully been installed without any hiccups.

“It’s a very exciting day for the Gold Coast SUNS, Metricon Stadium and more importantly the people of the Gold Coast, Cricket is coming,” Evans said.

“In conjunction with Cricket Australia and Queensland Cricket, Metricon Stadium staff have successfully installed the very first drop-in cricket wickets at a Queensland venue.”

Drop-in wickets have been used in Australian stadia since 1996 and are currently in use at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Spotless Stadium (Sydney), Etihad Stadium (Melbourne), Optus Stadium (Perth) and Adelaide Oval.

Cricket Australia’s Head of Cricket Operations, Peter Roach said the Gold Coast SUNS, who manage Metricon Stadium, had been working with the national body to ensure an appropriate wicket is prepared.

“We’ve been working closely with Metricon Stadium and Queensland Cricket to ensure their pitch will deliver competitive and exciting cricket for fans for all the matches being hosted there.

“Metricon has two new drop-in pitches that are ready to go to host this content and we are all confident that they will provide great surfaces for terrific games of Twenty20 cricket.”

“This is a significant milestone and one that takes us a step closer to seeing elite cricket played at a new venue and in front of new Queensland fans,” Walters said.

“We are bringing these games to the Gold Coast with great excitement and anticipation as we know what impact showcasing international cricket and the Big Bash League will have on our sport in the region and across the state.”

Tickets to the International T20 between Australia & South Africa, to be held on November 17 are currently on sale via ticketek.com.au

Tickets for all three Big Bash matches to be held at Metricon Stadium will be on sale in October, visit bigbash.com.au for details.

2018-19 Metricon Stadium Summer of Cricket

Sat 17 Nov, Australia v South Africa, 6:20pm start

Sat 22 Dec, Brisbane Heat v Hobart Hurricanes, 6pm start

Tues 1 Jan, Brisbane Heat v Sydney Sixers, 1:45pm start

Sat 5 Jan, Melbourne Stars v Sydney Thunder, 5:45pm start

Metricon Stadium Drop in Wickets – Facts

Pitches were established in January

Pitches have been prepared in bespoke trays, specifically designed for Metricon Stadium based on learnings from other major venues

Wicket soil is the same clay as the Gabba with the intent being to replicate Gabba playing conditions

Pitches have been built in 2 full-length trays, the trays are separated in halves for transport;

Trays weigh around 15 tonne each, therefore 30 tonnes for a full wicket;

The process after installation in the main field is water immediately to promote establishment of the turf before a program of intensive rolling to remove any unevenness attributable to the move